Ian Somerhalder Begged Nina Dobrev To Stay One More Season On ‘TVD’

Ian Somerhalder is no longer personally involved with Nina Dobrev — but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand her importance in his professional life! In fact, prior to Nina’s ‘Vampire Diaries’ exit, Ian did all he could to convince her to stay, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned.

Ian Somerhalder & Nina Dobrev’s Chemistry: He Begged Her Not To Leave ‘TVD’

“Ian met with Nina and pretty much begged her not to leave,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “Although her leaving does make things easier for him personally, he knows how important Nina is to the show. The Vampire Diaries worked because of the chemistry and tension between him, Nina and Paul [Wesley]. The love triangle was what fans responded to. Without Nina, Ian is very concerned with the direction the show will take.”

Unfortunately for the hunky actor, Nina’s mind was already made up. “She wasn’t going to budge,” the insider adds. “Now, Ian’s concerned the show is a sinking ship and is looking to make his own exit.”

Following Nina’s announcement, series creator Julie Plec confirmed to HollywoodLife.com that there are still plans for the show’s seventh season.

Still, the shocking news does come at a bit of a coincidental time — just months after Ian popped the question to Nikki Reed, 26, after less than a year of dating. But her ex’s happy engagement news isn’t the reason behind Nina’s decision to step away, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned.

“The Ian and Nikki relationship caused strain. But Nina was just bored and wanted to start making movies before she gets too old and misses that window,” a source told us EXCLUSIVELY.

Let’s just hope those movie roles start calling so Nina doesn’t have any regrets about leaving before the show ended!

Tell us, HollywoodLifers — now that Nina is officially out, do you think Ian will leave next? Will you watch TVD without Nina?